NC Water Quality and Treatment Workshop: Jan 26

From WNC Green Industry News Blog:

The University of Florida, Clemson, and NCSU have pooled resources to bring you a VERY informative regional workshop on treatment of irrigation water- mainly for the use in woody and floriculture plant production This will be a one day event in the Charlotte area. We will have REAL growers and REAL water treatment situations to show and discuss, plus a panel of specialists. We are very privledged to have this kind of workshop available in our state. This will be a big benefit to our growers because I have been conducting studies across NC and believe many growers need to start thinking about water treatment options, as recycled water becomes the industry standards

For more information, an agenda and registration information go to: NC Water Workshop

USDA Reports Increased Diversification in Horticultural Operations

To read the full report click here.

Highlights from the article include:

The sale of food crops grown under protection, including fruits and vegetables in hothouses, as well as transplants for commercial vegetable production increased 149 percent since the last time the census of horticulture was conducted in 1998.

“Despite the recent economic downturn, the U.S. horticulture industry as a whole is showing resilience by increasing diversification of the products produced,” said Joe Prusacki, NASS Statistics Division director. “Food crop production has shown the largest growth in this sector of agriculture, possibly a link to increased consumer interest in fresh fruits and vegetables.”

“Overall, total sales of horticultural crops between 1998 and 2009 increased by 10 percent to $11.7 billion,” added Prusacki. “Looking at the entire agricultural industry however, this 10-percent increase lags behind the 60-percent increase seen for all agricultural crop commodities during this same time period.”

To read the full report click here.

Greenhouse Growers Workshop

When?: Thursday, November 18. Registration starts at 8 am. Program runs from 9 am-4:30 pm

Where?: Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River

Who Should Attend?: This educational program is geared toward both the ornamental and vegetable greenhouse grower.

How much?: Registration is $10 per person and includes lunch. Registration is required by Friday, November 12. Click here for the brochure and registration form.

About the Program: In the morning, all attendees will learn the newest container designs, latest substrate options from Fafard and about releasing biologicals in the greenhouse. During lunch, you will learn how to improve your greenhouse efficiency. There will be two afternoon sessions, one for ornamental and one for vegetable growers.

The vegetable session will include talks about Commercial Production of Vegetable Transplants, Vegetable Varieties and Soil Fertility.
Click here for the complete agenda.

Come see, ask questions and network with other growers, specialists and industry representatives!

NC pesticide credits will be available.